What can triple helix frameworks offer to the analysis of eco-innovation dynamics? Theoretical and methodological considerations

Abstract

Bringing environmental concerns into focus of innovation processes will in several cases also expand the numbers of actors involved. Eco-innovation and triple helix are often frameworks applied to analyse how environmental concerns are integrated in the innovation processes and how different stakeholder groups are interacting in this connection. Taking the triple helix as the theoretical departure point, this paper discusses the opportunities offered by these triple helix frameworks for analyzing eco-innovation dynamics from both theoretical and practical perspectives. It adds to the debate about stakeholder dynamics in eco-innovation processes by using the discourse of a proactive company to argue for the need for, and a conceptual framing of, a fourth actor in the helix of eco-innovation.